The mornings and evenings are still quite cold, but these days, the first signs of spring are gradually making themselves felt.
“Kurashiki Shunsho Akari,” now firmly established as an event heralding spring in the Bikan Historical Area, is a seasonal tradition.
In 2024, the event runs longer than usual, with many related events planned, mainly on weekends. Among them, “Akari Meguri,” which is popular every year, was held on March 16, so I went to see it in person.
Here’s a report on everything from the lights made with Japanese umbrellas lined up along the Kurashiki River, a familiar sight, to some new lighting displays.
The information presented here was accurate when this article was published in March 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the 17th Kurashiki Shunsho Akari?
Kurashiki Shunsho Akari is an event held throughout the Bikan Historical Area, where visitors can enjoy lighting displays featuring Japanese umbrellas and andon lanterns while strolling around.
Held annually as a regular early-spring event, except during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 17th edition in 2024 is being held from Saturday, March 9 to Sunday, March 31.
![[Held March 9 (Sat)–March 31 (Sun)] 17th Kurashiki Shunsho Akari — Bring your camera and head out to an event lighting up Kurashiki’s spring nights](https://media.kuratoco.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/23010400/81c75afc889dc86042d63763e269156a.jpg)
I visited the event
I arrived at the venue, the Bikan Historical Area, shortly after 6 p.m.
The spots where you can see the lights are scattered around, but I started at Imabashi Bridge in front of Ohara Museum of Art.
Since it was still light, I strolled along the Kurashiki Riverbank, watching the evening sky grow dim. Gradually, it began to get dark.
These are the “Japanese umbrella lights” lined up along the riverbank.
This is what comes to mind when you think of “Kurashiki Shunsho Akari,” isn’t it?
At Kurashiki SOLA Mingei Plaza, which opened in 2022, “Indigo Lights” inspired by Kojima’s locally produced denim are on display.
The soothing, subdued colors of the blue-themed Japanese umbrellas and snow lanterns were lovely.
Also, on weekends only, a lighting event was held at Kurashiki Yoimachi GARDEN, further inside.
Now, map in hand, let’s visit some of the other spots.
Akari Meguri (held March 16 and 17)
“Akari Meguri” is a participatory event in which visitors tour six locations in the area where character-andon lanterns have been set up and search for hidden words (free admission).
At the reception desk beside the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Center, write your name and phone number to receive a lantern with an LED inside and a participation card.
One lantern is available to borrow per group.
I set off with a lantern in hand and found an andon lantern with hiragana written on it.
You visit the six locations and write down the keywords. When I returned the lantern at the reception desk, I received a scented sachet as a participation prize.
It’s best to take part early (before 6 p.m.).
Spring Evening Balloons and Spring Evening Andon (Kurashiki Ivy Square)
This time, Kurashiki Ivy Square was also used as a venue, and “Spring Evening Balloons” appeared along the passage leading from the Bikan Historical Area to the courtyard.
An exquisite harmony of Japanese and Western styles, with Kurabo Memorial Hall and Aibi Red Brick Hall in the background.
Following these lights, I headed to the courtyard.
“Spring Evening Andon” lanterns were set up amid a fantastical blue-themed light display.
As a partner event, Kurashiki Ivy Square holds “Spring Evening Cafe” mainly on weekends, where you can enjoy light meals and drinks in the courtyard.
Kiriko Akari (entrance to Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan)
These lights, made using paper-cutting techniques, are installed near the entrance to Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan.
Look closely and you’ll see designs of wisteria, Kurashiki City’s flower, and the kingfisher, the city’s bird. From below, shadow-like patterns were projected onto the ground.
▼This piece is based on the willows and rickshaws of the Bikan Historical Area.
Although it wasn’t specifically mentioned, the piece was made by Kurashiki Kosakusho, whose workshop is located below Achi Shrine.
From the Writer
This year marked the 17th Kurashiki Shunsho Akari, which I think has now become one of the events that represent Kurashiki in early spring, alongside the Kurashiki Music Festival.
Although the event’s content and schedule vary from year to year, this year (2024) the event is being held over a longer period, which seemed designed to make it easier for more people to attend.
What I particularly enjoyed this time was “Shunsho Balloons” at Kurashiki Ivy Square.
The blend of Japanese and Western styles gives it a distinctly Kurashiki feel, and I saw many people taking photos there.
The weekends are livelier, with more partner events, but there are fewer people on weekday evenings, making it easier to take your time and enjoy the displays, so I recommend visiting then, too.
I’m looking forward to next year’s event. Thank you.
17th Kurashiki Shunsho Akari Event Information
| Name | 17th Kurashiki Shunsho Akari |
|---|---|
| Dates | March 9 (Sat)–31 (Sun), 2024 5:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Held rain or shine in light rain |
| Location | Bikan Historical Area |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | 17th Kurashiki Shunsho Akari |
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